Attachable cup holder

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an attachable cup holder for a laundry detergent container. The attachable cup holder includes a first receiving portion affixed perpendicularly in relation to a second receiving portion via a pair of connection rods. The first receiving portion includes an open loop having a first end and a second end, wherein the open loop removable secures to a spout of a laundry detergent container. The second receiving portion includes a pair of opposing arcuate rod members that receive a cup. The pair of connection rods are affixed to the ends of the open loop and extend downwardly therefrom, wherein a bottom end of each connection rod is affixed to a distal end of an arcuate rod member of the second receiving portion. The opposing arcuate members are disconnected such that they can move away from one another to receive cups having varying diameters.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/451,473 filed on Jan. 27, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cup holder devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a cup support device for suspending a cup under the spout of a laundry detergent container.

This invention relates to improvements in liquid container attachments. When doing laundry, many people use liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener. These liquids are generally available in containers outfitted with nozzles or spouts that include measuring cups to facilitate pouring. Often, the measuring cup is manufactured to be secured over the nozzle when it is not in use. However, this allows residual detergent to drip all over the nozzle and onto a floor or shelf. Therefore, there exists a need for a device that can keep the measuring cup in a secure position to catch any residual detergent dripping from the nozzle. Furthermore, the device can assist in securing a cup while a user dispenses laundry detergent from the nozzle into the cup while measuring the appropriate amount of detergent.

Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to attachable cup holders for various uses. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to cup holders or drip catching devices that attach to various objects. One device is a combination cup holder and drip catching attachment that secures to a detergent spout. This device allows the detergent to drip either in a drip catch or into a cup placed thereon. Some devices are attachable cup holders that are hingedly secured to an object such as a luggage bag, wherein the cup holder prevents a cup from tipping at any angle. Other cup holders include a planar platform wherein the cup is placed. Another cup holding device is configured to affix to a shopping cart.

These known art devices have several known drawbacks. Many of these cup holders are only configured to secure a cup with one specific diameter. They fail to include an adjustable receiving member used to receive cups having varying diameters. Further, some devices must be permanently affixed to an object, and do not include a configuration allowing the cup holder to be removable secured to the object or container. Some cup holders only include a platform that a cup can rest on. Lastly, many of these cup holders are not configured to removably secure to various laundry detergent containers.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing attachable cup holder devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of attachable cup holders now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new attachable cup holder wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when supporting a cup or lid of a laundry detergent container under a spout, such that the cup receives and contains any detergent that is dispensed from the spout.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved attachable cup holder device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an attachable cup holder comprising a first receiving portion comprising an open loop having a first end and a second end, wherein the first receiving portion is configured to removable secure to a spout of a laundry detergent container; a second receiving portion comprising a pair of opposing arcuate rod members each having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the second receiving portion is configured to receive a cup; and a pair of connection rods, wherein each connection rod includes a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of a first connection rod is affixed to the first end of the loop extending downwardly therefrom, the top end of a second connection rod is affixed to the second end of the loop extending downwardly therefrom, the bottom end of the first connection rod is affixed to the proximal end of a first opposing arcuate rod member, and the bottom end of the second connection rod member is affixed to the proximal end of a second opposing arcuate rod member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an attachable cup holder wherein a plane of the first receiving portion is disposed perpendicularly in relation to a plane of the second receiving portion.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an attachable cup holder wherein each the first connection rod and the second connection rod include an angled bend, such that the angled bend is configured to position the second receiving portion offset from a longitudinal axis of the first receiving portion such that an open upper end of a cup placed within the second receiving portion is disposed in line with a spout of the laundry detergent bottle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an attachable cup holder that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the attachable cup holder.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the attachable cup holder.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the attachable cup holder, wherein the attachable cup holder is removably secured to a spout of a laundry detergent container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the attachable cup holder. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting a cup or a detergent lid under a spout of a laundry detergent container. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the attachable cup holder. The attachable cup holder 11 comprises a first receiving portion 12 affixed perpendicularly in relation to a second receiving portion 18 via a pair of connection rods 16, 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of connection rods 16, 27 join each the first receiving portion 12 and the second receiving portion 18 in one continuously connected structure. The continuously connected structure is configured to be bendable to allow each portion of the attachable cup holder 11 to be expanded outwardly to fit various spouts and cup configurations. The attachable cup holder 11 is constructed of a rust-resistant material, such as, stainless steel, metal alloy, or plastic. This prevents the cup holder 11 from rusting when placed in contact with liquid detergent or water. However, any suitable material may be used.

The first receiving portion 12 comprises an open loop 13 having a first end 14 and a second end 15, wherein the first receiving portion 12 is configured to removable secure to a spout end of a liquid container, such as, a laundry detergent container. The ends 14, 15 of the open loop 13 of the first receiving portion 13 are spaced apart from each other and adapted to move away from each other, such that the first receiving portion 13 can bend slightly to fit over the spout of the laundry detergent container. In the illustrated embodiment, the open loop 13 comprises a circular shape, configured to rest flush against a rounded surface of the spout end of the laundry detergent container. However, in alternative embodiments, the open loop 13 may be configured to match a spout having any shape, such as, rectangular or square.

The second receiving portion 18 comprising a pair of opposing arcuate rod members 19, 28 each having a distal end 20 and a proximal end 21. The second receiving portion 18 is configured to receive a cup, such as, a lid of a laundry detergent container. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of opposing arcuate members 19, 28 are disconnected from each other forming a substantially circular shape. The opposing arcuate rods 19, 28 members are configured to move away from each other thereby allowing the second receiving member 18 to receive cups having varying diameters. However, in an alternative embodiment, the pair of opposing arcuate members 19, 28 may be configured as a loop to secure a specific diameter cup.

The pair of connection rods comprise a first connection rod 16 and a second connection rod 27 that each extend downwardly from the open loop 13. Both connection rods 16, 27 include a top end 29 and a bottom end 30. The top end 29 of the first connection rod 16 is affixed to the first end 14 of the open loop 13 and the top end 29 of the second connection rod 27 is affixed to the second end 15 of the loop 13. The bottom end 30 of the first connection rod 16 is affixed to the proximal end 21 of a first opposing arcuate rod member 28 and the bottom end 30 of the second connection rod member 27 is affixed to the proximal end 30 of a second opposing arcuate rod member 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of connection rods 16, 27 are configured to place a plane of the first receiving member 12 perpendicular in relation to a plane of the second receiving member 18. In some embodiments, each connection rod 16, 27 further includes a bend 17, that is adapted to offset the second receiving member 18 from the plane of the first receiving member 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the attachable cup holder. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection rod 16 is configured to position the plane of the first receiving portion 12 perpendicularly in relation to the plane of the second receiving portion 18. The bend 17 of the connection rod 16 is angled such that further disposes the second receiving portion 18 offset from the plane of the first receiving portion 12. This configuration positions a cup disposed within the second receiving portion 18 away from the laundry detergent container such that an open upper end of the cup is positioned underneath the spout. In this way, any liquid detergent that is dispensed from the spout will be received in the cup thereunder.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the attachable cup holder, wherein the attachable cup holder is removably secured to a spout of a laundry detergent container. In the illustrated embodiment, a user 25 can removably secure the attachable cup holder 11 to a laundry detergent container 22 by placing the first receiving portion 12 over the spout 23. This can be done by slightly pulling the connection rods 16 in opposing directions such that a diameter of the first receiving portion 12 increases and can fit flush around the spout end 23 of the detergent container 22. Once the first receiving portion 12 is removably secured thereto, the user 25 then places a cup 24 between the arcuate rod members of the second receiving portion 18.

When the cup 24 is properly positioned within the second receiving portion 18, the open upper end of the cup 24 is positioned underneath the spout 23 of the laundry detergent container 22. When liquid detergent 26 is dispensed from the spout, either by the user or as a result of a leak, the second receiving portion 18 holds the cup 24 such that the liquid detergent 26 is received therein. The user 25 can easily operate the spout 23 to fill the cup 24 with detergent 26 up to a desired measurement without having to hold the cup 24. When not in use, the cup 24 can be left within the second receiving portion 18 in order to catch any leaking detergent 26 coming from the container 22. Alternatively, when not in use, the user can remove the attachable cup holder 11 as needed.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) An attachable cup holder, comprising: a first receiving portion comprising an open loop having a first end and a second end, wherein the first receiving portion is configured to removable secure to a spout of a laundry detergent container; a second receiving portion comprising a pair of opposing arcuate rod members each having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the second receiving portion is configured to receive a cup; and a pair of connection rods, wherein each connection rod includes a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of a first connection rod is affixed to the first end of the loop, the top end of a second connection rod is affixed to the second end of the loop, the bottom end of the first connection rod is affixed to the proximal end of a first opposing arcuate rod member, and the bottom end of the second connection rod member is affixed to the proximal end of a second opposing arcuate rod member. 2) The attachable cup holder of claim 1, wherein a plane of the first receiving portion is perpendicularly disposed in relation to a plane of the second receiving portion. 3) The attachable cup holder of claim 1, wherein each the first connection rod and the second connection rod include a bend, such that the bend contains an angle configured to position the second receiving portion offset from a plane of the first receiving portion, such that an open upper end of a cup placed within the second receiving portion is in line with a spout of a laundry detergent container. 4) The attachable cup holder of claim 1, wherein the attachable cup holder is constructed of a rust resistant material. 5) The attachable cup holder of claim 1, wherein the attachable cup holder is constructed of a metal alloy. 6) The attachable cup holder of claim 1, wherein the attachable cup holder is constructed of a bendable material. 